LEXUS LS 500 (2019 year). Instruction

156

4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

WARNING

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with

the location of the brake and accelera-

tor pedals to avoid depressing the

wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelera-

tor pedal instead of the brake pedal

will result in sudden acceleration that

may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your

body around, leading to a difficulty in

operating the pedals. Make sure to

operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving

posture even when moving the vehicle

only slightly. This allows you to depress

the brake and accelerator pedals

properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your

right foot. Depressing the brake pedal

using your left foot may delay

response in an emergency, resulting in

an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop

the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases

can be extremely hot. These hot parts

may cause a fire if there is any flamma-

ble material nearby.

●

Vehicles without Lexus Safety System

+ A: During normal driving, do not turn

off the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be

lost. This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should putt

over and stop the vehicle as soon as it

is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emer-

gency, such as if it becomes impossible

to stop the vehicle in the normal way:

P.406

●

Vehicles with Lexus Safety System + A:

During normal driving, do not turn off

the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, however,

power assist to the steering will be lost.

This will make it more difficult to steer

smoothly, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

In the event of an emergency, such as if

it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-

cle in the normal way:

P.406

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to

maintain a safe speed when driving

down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously may

cause the brakes to overheat and lose

effectiveness. (

P.167)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the

steering wheel, the seat, or the inside

or outside rear view mirrors while driv-

ing.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Always check that all passengers’

arms, heads or other parts of their

body are not outside the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed

limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140

km/h) unless your vehicle has

high-speed capability tires. Driving

over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in

tire failure, loss of control and possible

injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer

to determine whether the tires on your

vehicle are high-speed capability tires

or not before driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and

steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking

due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid.

157

4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

WARNING

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly

depress the brake pedal to make sure

that the brakes are functioning prop-

erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the

brakes from functioning properly. If the

brakes on only one side are wet and

not functioning properly, steering con-

trol may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift position

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward

while a forward driving position is

selected, or roll forward while the shift

position is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine to stall

or lead to poor brake and steering

performance, resulting in an accident

or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift position to P while

the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Do not shift the shift position to R while

the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Do not shift the shift position to a driv-

ing position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Changing the shift position to N while

the vehicle is moving will disengage

the engine from the transmission.

Engine braking is not available when N

is selected.

●

Be careful not to change the shift posi-

tion with the accelerator pedal

depressed. Changing the shift posi-

tion to any positions other than P or N

may lead to unexpected rapid acceler-

ation of the vehicle that may cause an

accident and result in death or serious

injury.

After changing the shift position, make

sure to confirm the current shift posi-

tion displayed on the shift position indi-

cator inside the meter.

■

Brake pad wear

If any of the following situations occurs,

have the brake pads visually checked and

replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as

possible.

●

If the brake pad wear limit of a brake

pad is found to have been exceeded

when visually checking the brake pads

for each wheel (for the brake pad wear

limit, refer to P.451)

●

If a warning message is displayed on

the multi-information display (only the

right-side pads can be detected)

Rotor damage may result if the pads are

not replaced when needed.

F SPORT models: Moderate levels of the

brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced

braking power. As a result, the discs may

wear more quickly than conventional

brake discs. Therefore, when replacing

the brake pads, Lexus recommends that

you also have the thickness of the discs

measured.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when

the wear limits of the brake pads and/or

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the vehicle is in any gear other than P

or N, the vehicle may accelerate sud-

denly and unexpectedly, causing an

accident.

158

4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

WARNING

●

In order to prevent accidents due to

the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while the

engine is running, and apply the park-

ing brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,

in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake

as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed

while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which

could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,

spray cans, or soft drink cans in the

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing

the contents to spray over the interior

of the vehicle, and may also cause a

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift position to P, stop the engine

and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended

while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift

position in P but the parking brake is

not set, the vehicle may start to move,

possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while

the engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if

you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could

cause an accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is

parked in a poorly ventilated area,

exhaust gases may collect and enter the

vehicle, leading to death or a serious

health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause one

side of the vehicle to brake differently

than the other side. Also, the parking

brake may not securely hold the vehi-

cle.

●

Vehicles without Lexus Safety System

+ A: If the brake booster device does

not operate, do not follow other vehi-

cles closely and avoid hills or sharp

turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

159

4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

WARNING

●

Vehicles with Lexus Safety System + A:

If the electronically controlled brake

system does not operate, do not follow

other vehicles closely and avoid hills or

sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

●

Vehicles without Lexus Safety System

+ A: Do not pump the brake pedal if

the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up

the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●

Vehicles without Lexus Safety System

+ A: The brake system consists of 2

individual hydraulic systems; if one of

the systems fails, the other will still

operate. In this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more firmly than

usual and the braking distance will

increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

●

Vehicles with Lexus Safety System + A:

The brake system consists of 2 or more

individual hydraulic systems; if one of

the systems fails, the other(s) will still

operate. In this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more firmly than

usual and the braking distance will

increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels excessively when

a driven wheel is up in the air, or the vehi-

cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may

damage the driveline components or

propel the vehicle forward or backward,

causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine

output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or

depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the

vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift

the shift position to P. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to move or the

vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the

accelerator pedal is accidentally

depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in

either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power

steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

●

Make sure to idle the engine immedi-

ately after high-load driving. Stop the

engine only after the turbocharger has

cooled down.

Failure to do so may cause damage to

the turbocharger.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually depress the

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

160

4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750
(5

 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-

NOTICE

Information on what to do in case of a flat

tire (

P.429)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded

after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause

the following serious damage to the vehi-

cle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, transmis-

sion, transfer (AWD models), differen-

tial, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller

shaft, bearings and suspension joints

(where possible), and the function of

all joints, bearings, etc.

If the shift control system is damaged by

flooding, it may not be possible to shift

the shift position to P, or from P to other

positions. In this case, contact your Lexus

dealer.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift

the shift position to P. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to move or the

vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the

accelerator pedal is accidentally

depressed.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:

Capacity and distribution

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4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
(

P.162)

Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not
designed for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (

P.446)

When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A =Weight of people

: B =Total load capacity

: C =Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D =Additional weight of people

: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your
vehicle

A
B

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

trunk

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals

from being depressed properly, may

block the driver’s vision, or may result in

items hitting the driver or passengers,

possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk

whenever possible.

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4-1. Before driving

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (

P.395)

WARNING

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on

the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats

(when stacking items)

• On the package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• In front of the Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply the

load unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.

 Total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight):

P.446

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity:5 occupants

(Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires,

but also degrade steering and braking

ability, resulting in an accident.

164

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

4-2.Driving procedures

Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(

P.174)

The parking brake indicator will come on.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on

the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be

started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-

sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up

to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine

switch mode.

■

Engine switch illumination

According to the situation, the engine

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

When a door is opened, or the engine

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,

the engine switch illumination slowly

blinks.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the engine switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the engine switch is in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the

engine switch illumination illuminates.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (

P.63)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown

on the multi-information display, read the

message and follow the instructions.

■

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using the

smart access system with push-button start.

Refer to P.435 to restart the engine.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.96

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.113

■

Notes for the entry function

P.113

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the engine switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the engine

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Push Engine Switch While

Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-

tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display.

Press the engine switch shortly and firmly

Engine (ignition) switch

Performing the following opera-
tions when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.

Starting the engine

165

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

while turning the steering wheel left and

right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor from

overheating, operation of the motor may

be suspended if the engine is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from operating

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

Electronic key battery

P.399

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and

firmly, the engine switch mode may not

change or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine imme-

diately after turning the engine switch off,

the engine may not start in some cases.

After turning the engine switch off, please

wait a few seconds before restarting the

engine.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.433.

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(

P.174)

Shift the shift position to P.
(

P.170)

Check that the shift position indicator

shows P and the parking brake indicator is

illuminated.

Press the engine switch.

The engine will stop, and the meter display

will be extinguished (the shift position indi-

cator will be extinguished a few seconds

after the meter display).

Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in

the driver’s seat. Do not depress the

accelerator pedal while starting the

engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle

is moving, do not lock or open the doors

until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-

plete stop. Activation of the steering lock

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start

or stalls frequently, have your vehicle

checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction

with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such

as the switch sticking slightly, there may

be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus

dealer immediately.

Stopping the engine

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4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.

■

Automatic P position selection function

P.170

Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode

for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION

ON mode (with the engine not running) for

more than an hour with the shift position in

P, the engine switch will automatically turn

off. However, this function cannot entirely

prevent the battery discharge. Do not leave

the vehicle with the engine switch in

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode

for long periods of time when the engine is

not running.

WARNING

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the engine in an

emergency while driving the vehicle,

press and hold the engine switch for

more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly

3 times or more in succession.

(

P.406)

However, do not touch the engine

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the engine off while

driving will not cause loss of steering

or braking control, however, power

assist to the steering will be lost. This

will make it more difficult to steer

smoothly, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

●

If the engine switch is operated while

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the engine after an

emergency shutdown, press the

engine switch.

Changing engine switch modes

167

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

■

When the shift control system malfunc-

tions

When attempting to turn the engine switch

off while there is a malfunction in the shift

control system, the engine switch mode

may change to ACCESSORY mode. In this

case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned

off by applying the parking brake and press-

ing the engine switch again. If there is a mal-

function in the system, have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, set the shift position in D for nor-
mal driving. You can choose gear range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

■

For the shift positions

●

When the engine switch is off or in

ACCESSORY mode, the shift position

cannot be changed.

●

When the engine switch is in IGNITION

ON mode, the shift position can only be

changed to N.

●

When the engine is running, the shift

position can be changed from P to D, N

or R.

●

The shift position can only be changed to

M directly from D.

In addition, if an attempt is made to change

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON

mode for long periods of time without

the engine running.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the meter, the

engine switch is not off.

Exit the vehicle after turning the

engine switch off.

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

Reversing

Neutral

(Condition in which the

power is not transmitted)

Normal driving

M mode driving

(

P.172)

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4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

the shift position by moving the shift lever or

by pressing the P position switch in any of

the following situations, the buzzer will

sound and the shifting operation will be dis-

abled or the shift position will automatically

change to N. When this happens, select an

appropriate shift position.

●

Situations where the shifting operation

will be disabled:

• When an attempt is made to change the

shift position from P to another position

by moving the shift lever without depress-

ing the brake pedal.

• When an attempt is made to change the

shift position from P or N to M by moving

the shift lever.

• When the P position switch is pressed

while the vehicle is running.

●

Situations where the shift position will

automatically change to N:

• When an attempt is made to select the R

position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving forward.

• When an attempt is made to select the D

position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.

• When the shift position is changed from

R to M

●

If N is selected while driving at a certain

speed, even if the shift lever is not held in

the N position, the shift position changes

to N. In this situation, the buzzer sounds

and a confirmation message is displayed

on the multi-information display to inform

the driver that the shift position has

changed to N.

: Shift position may be changed to P

when driving at extremely low speeds.

: Shift position may be changed to R

when driving at low speeds.

: Shift position may be changed to D

when driving at low speeds.

■

Reverse warning buzzer

When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to

inform the driver that the shift position is in

■

To protect the automatic transmission

If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-

ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on

the multi-information display and the vehi-

cle will go into transmission protection

mode automatically. Have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise

control with full-speed range activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling engine

braking, engine braking will not be acti-

vated because dynamic radar cruise con-

trol with full-speed range will not be

canceled.

●

While driving in the D position, down-

shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D position

(

P.289)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

P.155

■

AI-SHIFT

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suit-

able gear according to driver performance

and driving conditions.

The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when

the shift position is in D. (Shifting the shift

position to the M position cancels the func-

tion.)

■

If a message about a shift operation is

shown

To prevent the shift position from being

selected incorrectly or the vehicle from

moving unexpectedly, the shift position may

be changed automatically or operating the

shift lever may be required. In this case,

change the shift position following the mes-

sages on the multi-information display.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the bat-

tery

P.380

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(

P.466)

169

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

Shift lever

Operate the shift lever gently and securely
in the direction of the arrow on the shift
position indicator.
To shift to N, slide the shift lever in the
direction of the arrow and hold it.
Release the shift lever after each shifting
operation to allow it to return to its regular

position (

Shifting to M is only possible when the shift
position is in D.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from N,
D, M or R to P, from D or M to R, or from R
to D, ensure that the brake pedal is being
depressed and the vehicle is stationary.

Shift position indicator

Meter display:
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or M
is selected, the arrow toward M and the M
position indicator are displayed in gray.
Shift lever display:

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift posi-

tion suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may

cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting

in an accident.

NOTICE

■

Situations where shift control system

malfunctions are possible

If any of the following situations occurs,

shift control system malfunctions are

possible.

Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe

place on level ground, apply the parking

brake, and then contact your Lexus

dealer.

●

When the warning message indicating

the shift control system appears on the

multi-information display.

●

The display indicates that no shift posi-

tion is selected for more than a few

seconds.

Shifting the shift lever

170

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

The current shift position is illuminated.
When selecting the shift position, make
sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by check-
ing the shift position indicator provided on
the instrument cluster.

P position switch

■

When shifting the shift position to P

Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch.

When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.

■

Shifting the shift position from P to
other positions

 While depressing the brake pedal

firmly, operate the shift lever. If the
shift lever is operated without
depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting
operation will be disabled.

 When selecting the shift position,

make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.

 The shift position cannot be

changed from P to M directly.

■

Automatic P position selection function

In the following situations, the shift position

is automatically changed to P.

●

When pressing the engine switch with the

vehicle stopped while the engine switch is

in IGNITION ON mode and the shift

position is in a position other than P (after

the shift position has changed to P, the
engine switch will turn off)

●

When the vehicle is stopped after the

engine has been stopped in an emer-

gency while driving

●

When voltage of the battery drops while

the shift position is in a position other than

: When the engine switch is pressed while

driving at extremely slow speeds, such
as immediately before stopping the vehi-
cle, the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle
is completely stopped before pressing
the engine switch.

■

If the shift position cannot be shifted

from P

There is a possibility that the battery is dis-

WARNING

■

For the shift lever

●

Do not remove the shift lever knob or

use anything but a genuine Lexus shift

lever knob. Also, do not hang anything

on the shift lever.

Doing so could prevent the shift lever

from returning to position, causing

unexpected accidents to occur when

the vehicle is in motion.

●

In order to prevent the shift position

from accidentally being changed, do

not touch the shift lever when not using

them.

P position switch

171

4-2. Driving procedures

LS500_OM_(U)_1809

Driving

charged. Check the battery in this situation.

(

P.435)

■

Driving mode

P.289

■

Snow mode

Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery

road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the snow mode switch backward.

The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn the snow mode switch backward
again to return to normal mode.

Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if

the engine switch is turned off after driving

in snow mode.

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking

WARNING

■

P position switch

●

Do not press the P position switch

while the vehicle is moving.

If the P position switch is pressed when

driving at very low speeds (for exam-

ple, directly before stopping the vehi-

cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly

when the shift position switches to P,

which could lead to an accident.

●

In order to prevent the shift position

from accidentally being changed, do

not touch the P position switch or shift

lever when not using them.

●

After changing the shift position to P,

do not release the brake pedal until the

shift position indicator shows P and the

parking brake indicator is illuminated.

Otherwise, the vehicle may move,

possibly leading to an accident.

NOTICE

■

Notes regarding shift lever and P

position switch operation

Avoid repeatedly operating the shift

lever and P position switch in quick suc-

cession.

The system protection function may acti-

vate and it will not be temporarily possi-

ble to shift the shift position other than P.

If this happens, please wait for a while

before attempting to change the shift

position again.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

A
B

LEXUS LS 500 (2019 year). Instruction - part 10